Central Coast Mariners coach Phil Moss has been axed, with new technical director Tony Walmsley to take over the role for the rest of the A-League season, reports The Guardian. The club says Moss has been stood down immediately and the decision is part of stage two of new executive vice-chairman Peter Storrie's restructure.
It also has captain John Hutchinson stepping up to a player-assistant coach role till the end of the season, with current assistant coach Wayne O'Sullivan to be offered a new position at the club.
The club said it would soon commence the search for a new permanent head coach, with Walmsley to remain as the club's technical director while he takes on the reins as caretaker.
The Mariners are in negotiations with Moss over his exit.
"The club respectfully declines to make any further comment regarding the Phil Moss matter and is sure that his career in football will continue elsewhere," said the Mariners.
While the specifics of Hutchinson's coaching role are still being worked out, the club said fans could rest assured he would remain with the Mariners in a coaching capacity beyond this season.
It said the next phase of the Mariners' restructure would include a fresh look at the operation of youth football.
